For folks who are planning to breastfeed, one of your to-do’s will be: order breast pump. This task can bring up lots of questions! We hope that this article will offer some ideas for getting started on your feeding journey.

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Acquiring a Pump

If you have insurance, it’s a great idea to access your benefits for a pump. Insurances typically require a prescription from your doctor, and sometimes they won’t fulfill the order until baby is born. Check with your insurance to understand the process and requirements. If you are inducing lactation, this may take some extra advocacy.

That said, Aeroflow Breastpumps is a third-party company that helps parents verify insurance, shop options, and order a pump. Some families have found it easier to work with these third-parties than directly with their insurance, so do a little looking before you start the process.

Many of our clients want to have both wearable and traditional pump options. In this case, we suggest using your insurance to cover a wearable pump, as traditional pumps are super easy to find for free or cheap. Many families find Spectra and Medela pumps in mom’s groups on FB or in Buy Nothing Groups. Spectra pumps are closed systems, meaning that milk doesn’t pass through the unit, and there isn’t a risk of cross-contamination. If you go this route, though, you will need to buy fresh tubing.

Our Favorite Pumps

While we are sharing some basic information about our favorite pumps, the best pump for you is the pump that is most accessible to you! If you don’t see your pump on this list, fear not! If it works for you, excellent. If not, these can serve as additional ideas. We also always suggest working with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for any feeding or pumping challenges, complications, and questions.

1. Spectra S1: This is our favorite pump, and the one most of our clients use. The S1 is rechargeable and is easy to move room to room, as it doesn’t need to be plugged in to use! The S1 offers single or double pumping (meaning one or two breasts with the same settings), adjustable suction, and customizable settings. We also think the Spectra is pretty quiet!
2. Spectra Synergy Gold: The biggest difference between the S1 and the Gold is that you can use different settings on each breast. While this is a cool feature, we don’t often see folks needing this. Some people also say that the Gold version has strong suction which can be beneficial. Note that the dual adjustable suction feature is only available with a plug-in unit.
3. Medela: This is another popular and common pump. Our biggest complaint about this pump is that it tends to have lower suction strength than other pumps. Medelas are slightly lighter than Spectras, so they may be more portable. We also find Medelas a bit louder than other pumps.
4. Momcozy: This wearable pump is less expensive than Willow and Elvie. They’re all pretty popular, as the idea of wearable pumps is quite exciting! The biggest drawbacks to the wearable pumps is that the suction is often less than traditional pumps. It is often harder to properly fit the flange size (which can impact output), so many people don’t want to depend solely on a wearable pump. 
5. Haakaa: This is a passive, silicon pump, which in our opinion is more of a milk collector than a pump. However, because it provides suction, it is still categorized as a pump. What this means is that if you tend toward an oversupply, the Haakaa can aggravate this. Additionally, you may want to wait 2-4 weeks before introducing it, so that your supply can get established to match baby’s demand. Haakaas can be helpful to drawing out the nipple before latching baby or using your pump. Additionally, it can be really handy to use while you’re nursing on one side.

Other Notes About Pumping

• Hand expression: Knowing how to hand express is truly valuable, and we like to talk to most breastfeeding clients about this skill. You can hand express for a few minutes before 1-2 feeds a day to help your body build a good supply. Hand expression doesn’t require a power source or any devices, so in these ways it’s quite easy and simple and handy to have as a backup in cases of travel, power outage, etc.
• Pumping at the hospital: Hospitals have hospital grade pumps in each postpartum room. Thus, there’s no need to pack your pump if you are birthing in the hospital. Furthermore, not everybody who births in hospital needs a pump. This is something you can navigate with your care team– and especially ask to see the lactation team– depending on your baby’s needs and your needs and preferences. 
• Check flange size. One of the most common issues we see with pumping is incorrect flange sizes. And, we get it! It can be difficult to figure out at first, and sometimes your nipples change shape/size after birthing. If the flange is either too big or too small, it can be painful and less efficient. An IBCLC can help with fitting for this!

ABG is Here for You

Whatever is best for you, your baby, and your family is the best way to feed your baby. We are here to support you as you navigate your postpartum experience. Join us in class or reach out about in-home postpartum services! It’s an honor to support your growing family.

*Photo credit: Canva